A practical use for an old graveyard.
The Turks are a practical people. As we’ve driven through cities and countryside, we’ve noticed that they are hard-working people, but when they find something that works, they go for it. Why re-invent the wheel?
The sun was starting to set; the Iman was calling the village people to prayer, and the light was golden. We happened upon this village about 200 km. south of Ankara, and we had just agreed that it was time to head home, since we really don’t like driving too much after dark.
As we make our u-turn, we look over to this dilapidated ceremony. The gravestones are covered with moss. Some have completely toppled over, and the rest stand leaning in every direction. It’s hard to say how old the cemetary was, we couldn’t make out any of the carvings or dates. I’m not sure if they even had inscriptions on them.
The one thing that was still in working order was the stone wall. It looked sturdy and ready to keep out the unwanted. Someone had decided that it also made a great goat pen for his herd. Why should he gather stones or sticks to make a fence when one was readily available right down the street. The goats didn’t seem to mind. They were all gathered together, either looking for warmth or ready for some grub. Either way, it made a pretty picture and gave us a chuckle for our long ride home.